Bill
AB 2683
AB 2683 adds a new offense: adults who recruit a minor to commit a felony face an additional prison term, plus a murder enhancement when a minor is involved in a scene with other m
Purpose and intent
- AB 2683, introduced by Assembly Member Ransom, seeks to strengthen penalties related to crimes against minors and to address the criminal exploitation and endangerment of children.
- The bill adds and amends provisions in the Penal Code to create a new offense of “child endangerment” when an adult solicits or recruits a minor to commit a felony.
- It also creates a new sentence enhancement for murder when a minor is the victim and the crime occurs in a location where another minor is present, with consequences for parole eligibility.
Key provisions and changes
1. Amendments to Penal Code Section 273a (child endangerment)
- Current law (already in effect) prohibits willfully harming or endangering a child, with punishments ranging from misdemeanor to felony (up to six years in state prison for the more serious cases).
- AB 2683 would add a new subsection (d): any adult who solicits or recruits a minor to commit a felony is guilty of child endangerment and would receive an additional consecutive prison term of 2, 4, or 6 years, in addition to any other punishment.
- Section 273a also retains existing provisions for the primary offense (subsection a), misdemeanors (subsection b), and probation conditions (subsection c), including mandatory probation terms and counseling requirements.
New Penal Code Section 12022.56 (murder enhancement)
Reimbursement and fiscal notes
Intent language
- The bill states the Legislature’s intent to address the criminal exploitation of minors and the endangering of children.
Affected entities
- Individuals: adults who solicit or recruit a minor to commit a felony would face an enhanced penalty under 273a(d).
- Minors: the focus is on protection from exploitation and endangerment, with stricter consequences for offenses involving minors as victims or as targeted participants.
- Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts: new charges and aggravated penalties would impact charging decisions, sentencing, and probation conditions.
Procedural/timeline notes
- The bill has moved through committee referrals in the California Legislature during the 2025-2026 session, with amendments and re-referals. As of the latest action, it was amended and passed by a committee and sent to the Appropriations or applicable policy committee for further consideration.
Overall impact
- AB 2683 would tighten accountability for adults who exploit or endanger minors by creating an additional, consecutive prison term for soliciting or recruiting a minor to commit a felony.
- It would also introduce a new murder-related enhancement tied to the presence of other minors, potentially increasing punishment and extending parole timelines for qualifying cases.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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